Linguistics and semiotics: definitions and principles

Semiotics and Linguistics Definitions

the distinction between semiology and linguistics is as follows: Semiology is the study of all non-linguistic systems of communication, the study of all non-linguistic systems of non-linguistic signs. Linguistics, on the other hand, is the study of a particular system of signs.

Semiology, for Saussure, it is the science which studies the signs within the social life. The linguistics is then considered as a part of the general science that is semiology. While linguistics is language through speech or writing, more precisely, it is “the scientific study of human language, vocals, as it is realized by a language, system of linguistic signs and/or systems of rules”.

Principles of Linguistics

A sign is an element A that represents an element B and/or which can serve as a substitute. We distinguish signs, “clues” left by inadvertence, from signals that are inadvertently, from signals that are intentional. Thus, a fire that takes place in a public building leaves both a clue, the smoke, and a smoke, and a signal, the alarm which is triggered.

The linguistic sign is composed of content called signified and a sound expression called signifier. The signified necessarily has a signifier and the signifier must have a signified for us to speak of a linguistic sign.

The characteristics of the sign linguistic sign: it has a certain semantic content (the (the signified) and of a phonic expression (the signifier) one cannot separate them. The link between signifier and signified is not natural, it is arbitrary and necessary. It takes place in time. The linguistic sign is different, it is always distinguished from the other signs. It functions like a unit has whole share units in its own right. And it functions in opposition to the others. The object of linguistics: we distinguish language, faculty, ability common to human beings to communicate put into action by speech with the help of a code, the language.